Explore every episode of the podcast The Well-Behaved Woman

In Act 1, we meet our spirited heroine, Anne. Full of imagination and a heart of gold, Anne learns stories of her family's past while gently urging her sister Nettie to chase her dreams waiting just beyond the horizon.

Anne, played by Katrina McCarthy

Nettie, played by Robyn Froese

Music and Lyrics by Robyn Froese

Script by Katrina McCarthy

With special thanks to our band, Wanda Froese and Mikayla Clay, and to our audio engineer, Andre Antonio. Recorded live at Odd Owl Studios.

Opening credits include clips from the films Madame X and The Road to Ruin, alongside a quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy of GBH Forum Network.

What makes a Mennonite woman a Mennonite woman? In this final research episode, we dive into the modern Mennonite woman. Our interviewees discuss how it feels being outsiders to the historical European, straight, Mennonite background, and we consider how we could move forward as Mennonite women as a whole.

We talk all things feminism and late-stage careers this episode. We talk to the first female Mennonite moderator, hear from two amazing ministers about "the boys club", Anabaptism, and how Jesus was a feminist. We also speak with two amazing profs about second and third wave feminism and inclusive feminine language for God.

We may not share the bun recipe you're looking for, but we do offer engaging conversations about food, the traditional roles of Mennonite women and the realities of the expectations placed on girls. We also chat with the creators of "Quietly Landed," a musical production from the 1990s focused on the untold stories of Mennonite women. Grab a snack and get listening. 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses domestic abuse and sexual violence.

How can a people group who is defined by their peace movement have allowed violence in the home? What is the difference between "pacifism" and "non-resistance"? Explore these questions and more with us in this episode as we engage in conversations with experts in the fields of domestic abuse and sexual harm, as well as hear real life experiences from Mennonite women themselves. 

This episode explores themes of love in the time of war, women's roles in 1940s Canada, and what it's like to be a young adult woman growing up culturally Mennonite. 

This research episode explores the theme of immigration, coming to Canada and the context of Mennonites in the 1920s. Follow along as we hear many stories of hardships, change, trauma and resilience. 

Opening Credits:

Public Domain 1920's-1930's clips from various films: "Madame X" and "The Road to Ruin". 

Quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy GBH Forum Network https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbsrSdT9x84

Closing Credits:"Again" by Robyn Froese

Special thanks to our interviewees: Chris Sundby, Marlene Epp, Maria Friesen via Juliana Howe, Crissy Robson, Sonja Everson, Ruth Funk, Elfrieda Buhr, Karen Theissen, Mary Loewen, and Betty Giesbrecht

MORE INFORMATION: https://canadianmennonite.org/mennocreative/the-well-behaved-woman/

The Well-Behaved Woman Podcast's introductory episode gives an overview of the project and introduces the creators, Katrina McCarthy (Froese) and Robyn Froese. These two sisters, living in Vancouver, Canada, discuss their experiences growing up Mennonite and the creation of this podcast. They offer listeners a preview of interviews with remarkable Mennonite women from across the country, asking, "What is a Mennonite woman?"

MORE INFORMATION: https://canadianmennonite.org/mennocreative/the-well-behaved-woman/

In Act 2, Anne heads out to the big city! Rooming at an all-girls house in Vancouver, she works with her friend Mina as a laundress to help pay off their parents' travel debts. Life is peaceful, until a rumour begins to spread around the house.

Anne, played by Katrina McCarthy
Mina and Train Conductor, played by Robyn Froese
Music and Lyrics by Robyn Froese
Script by Katrina McCarthy
With special thanks to our band, Wanda Froese and Mikayla Clay, and to our audio engineer, Andre Antonio. Recorded live at Odd Owl Studios.
Opening credits include clips from the films Madame X and The Road to Ruin, alongside a quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy of GBH Forum Network.

Anne gets a little groovy in the 60's with her new thrift-shop-boutique. With the help of her employee, Mary, these two flip the town around and show those old bitties what true friendship and care for those in need truly looks like.

Anne, played by Katrina McCarthy
Mary and Merna, played by Robyn Froese
Music and Lyrics by Robyn Froese
Script by Katrina McCarthy
With special thanks to our band, Wanda Froese and Mikayla Clay, and to our audio engineer, Bassist, and Drummer, Andre Antonio. Recorded live at Odd Owl Studios.
Opening credits include clips from the films Madame X and The Road to Ruin, alongside a quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy of GBH Forum Network.

It's now 1952, and Anne is back home in small-town Manitoba. By teaching piano lessons to Ruth, a young girl from the church, Anne confronts her feelings toward Ruth's older brother and her fear of losing her independence.

Anne, played by Katrina McCarthy
Ruth, played by Robyn Froese
Music and Lyrics by Robyn Froese
Script by Katrina McCarthy
With special thanks to our band, Wanda Froese and Mikayla Clay, and to our audio engineer, Bassist, and Drummer, Andre Antonio. Recorded live at Odd Owl Studios.
Opening credits include clips from the films Madame X and The Road to Ruin, alongside a quote from Laura Thatcher Ulrich's talk courtesy of GBH Forum Network.